Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago posed this question during an interview with Radyo Inquirer Wednesday after Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile reportedly played Santa Claus last Christmas, giving gifts using so-called “savings” that she said had become the “grandmama of all scandals.”

She then proceeded to outline why nothing beats being a senator.

Imagine a yearly pork barrel of P200 million, P2.2 million monthly for staff salaries and office expenses, a P500,000 annual travel allowance and an honorarium that ranges between P30,000 to P60,000 a month as chair of a Senate committee.

And don’t forget the regular monthly salary of P75,000.

An unscrupulous senator can simply make it appear that he or she is using all these perks legitimately and then pocket these. Here is where Santiago wants the Commission on Audit (COA) to come in.

Santiago asked COA Chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan to instruct auditors assigned to the Senate and the House of Representatives to examine and audit so-called “savings” or “secret funds” available to the Senate President, House Speaker, and other heads of offices, to ensure transparency.

Santiago’s revelations followed Enrile’s supposedly selective release of a total of P1.618 million in two tranches as additional “maintenance and other operating expenditures” (MOOE) to each of her 18 colleagues from “savings” of the chamber in 2012. Four other senators Enrile wasn’t exactly fond of—Santiago included—got P250,000 each.

Nat’l scandal

“The so-called savings of each public office have turned into a national scandal, the grandmama of all scandals. The Constitution allows savings to be used by the office at the end of the year. But in reality, the head of office manipulates the books and creates so-called savings by refusing to fill up vacancies, or refusing to buy essential office supplies or services, or capital equipment. These so-called ‘enforced savings’ are then distributed among the highest officials, in the guise of Christmas bonuses,” Santiago explained.

In many cases, the COA auditor usually accommodates the “enforced savings” ordered by the head of office, because COA auditors are often afraid of politicians, or the COA auditors themselves share in the “enforced savings,” she said.

“I challenge the COA to reveal to the public the total income annually of every senator and every representative. This total income should include basic salary, Christmas and other bonuses, monthly honoraria for committee work, monthly appropriation to be spent at the senator’s discretion for staff salaries and for MOOE, appropriations for consultants, foreign travel funds, etc.,” she said.

Members of each Senate committee are also given an allowance, but she did not give a specific amount.

“That’s why some of my colleagues become members of so many committees,” she noted. “This amount is given whether or not you attend the hearings conducted by the committee.”

The same policy holds true for the P500,000 travel allowance. “We are given that every year, whether we use it or not. It is for official trips such as those to international conferences. But even if you don’t leave, you still get that,” she said.

Biggest perk

The biggest perk, however, remains the P200 million pork barrel, or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Santiago recalled that when she was still a newbie senator in 1995, she was approached by a contractor who guaranteed her a “clean” 10-percent kickback from her pork-funded infrastructure projects.

She calculated that during a six-year term, a senator can earn P120 million from kickbacks, enough to jumpstart a reelection bid.

“One who wants big money should run for senator,” Santiago said.

As for Enrile’s “gift,” Santiago said she sent it back to the Senate President because he had returned her gift of biscuits to him.

“You don’t like my biscuit, I also don’t like your money,” was how she explained it. With a report from Fe Zamora

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zeroko

Dito rin sa Q.C., may “force savings din.” City Councilors spend P 74 millions for food and drinks without the benefit of public bidding.

koolkid_inthehouse

Meaning Filipinos are corrupt to the bones. All Filipinos can be bought by money. Look at the massacres, its all about money and corruptions.
Casino bribes. Top military men involved in jueteng are graduates of ‘prestigious’ PMA and PNPA, but look they’re the most corrupt people.

Corruptions should be legalized in the Philippines and must be taxed.

chingnarciso

Santiago said, you don’t like my biscuit, I don’t like your money..Thats not Enrile’s money you are talking about Miss Santiago, thats the tax payers money..

It is scandalous enough what little we know but to hear it all straight from the horse mouth makes your blood boil to near maximum point? Is this rip off/assault of the treasury a result of smartassess neatly contrived money goals, or could we plainly put the blame squarely on the ignorant electorate who keep voting these crocodiles over and over again? Who do you think bears the blame for all these scandalous effrontery but us Filipinos who keeps putting these same people who then return the favor by stealing from us? Yes, it is no wonder why even the likes of Revilla, Lapid and Estrada would give up their movie roles since money is guaranteed being in congress as oppose to their films losing out?

To think all these scandalous monies being enjoyed by these crocodiles at the same time the premier airport could not even accommodate well working toilets in my mind is enough for Filipinos to rise up and clean congress of these pest.

12JEM

How?

12JEM

Removing the Pork Barrel of 200 Million a year will improve the situation for the people.

At least she’s honest. So it is true that the Philippines is being run by rich people not doing enough to improve the country. You get into office to get rich and gain power and gain popularity not to be a public servant and better the nation.

if all senators will contribute 2m from their PORk and evey congressman 1M to the Typhoon Pablo Victims i’m sure the victims of the typhoon will have roofs on their heads bynow…what a shame…

katindig

No wonder senators and congressmen spend millions to campaign for a monthly salary of 70k for representatives and 90k for senators….brains or no brains…hayyyy kawawang Juan de la Cruz…

boy_pogi

Lady Mirriam this is what I expected from you when I first voted for you to the senate many years ago, to expose the corrupt system. I was disappointed with your for many many years. Bakit ngayon mo lang sinasabi ito, I suppose nakinabang ka rin sa corrupt system. I guess better late than never. Sayang lang walang patutunguhan ito since its in the system from the president to the lowly baranggay tanod.

“The strong showing of government spending on infrastructure and MOOE indicates that social and economic services are being delivered faster, better and with more impact to socioeconomic development. Just the same, we continue to work on strengthening public institutions and improving their capacity to deliver services,” —– Secretary Florencio B. Abad said. (12-Nov-2012)

‘An unscrupulous senator can simply make it appear that he or she is
using all these perks legitimately and then pocket these. Here is where
Santiago wants the Commission on Audit (COA) to come in.’

Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) is to pocket these, unscrupulous or not. Di ba? kaya nga gumagastos ng milyones maging senador lang or barangay kagawad for that matter. A government position has become the most lucrative business ever. ROI is the best the moment one wins. No additional personal investment needed. Just harvest for the length of the term. The best part? You don’t even have to be an elementary grad. Just know how to read and write. Saan ka pa?

Garo Ungaro

Money is just part of being a senator in the Philippines. They can get legally or illegal. What they want is they had the power to get it…Money, Power is just what it meant.Very few senators retire not rich?…If you retire poor then your the real senator that spent most of your time for the peoples interest…? That’s the true meaning of service to the people…your legacy is clean and well respected by the people…

“Imagine a yearly pork barrel of P200 million, P2.2 million monthly for staff salaries and office expenses, a P500,000 annual travel allowance and an honorarium that ranges between P30,000 to P60,000 a month as chair of a Senate committee. ”

e bakit ngayon ka lang naglalabas ng lahat ng bulok at takaw n’yong mga mandurugas kayo, Santiago?? Ang tagal n’yo ng kinakawawa, niloloko at dinudugas ang taong bayan, at kung hindi pa kayo nagkaroon ng personal na alit-alitan di pa n’yo aaminin na ang pagiging SENATOR is a very lucrative position that has to be WON for no reason other than because it offers unbelievable, obscene amounts of money available for you own “DISCRETION.”

At maski ngayong naglalabasan na kayo at aminado sa inyong BULOK–ang tinatawag naming OPEN-SECRET na BULOK–tapalan pa rin kayo ng tapalan ng katakut-takot na pera ng bayan, and openly–without an iota of regards sa feeling ng taong bayang naghihirap perennialy! If this is not one of the most REPULSIVE, cruelest IRONIES and ASSAULTS ever inflicted to the sensibilities of the Filipino people, even Randy David & De Quiroz wouldn’t know what it is! Your selfish attitude and obvious disregard of our well-being give us the impression that we are being governed by people that are not our compatriots, haven’t you been realizing that? Or you do but you simply do not care??

Some of these senators were cruel to CJ Corona but it seems they are doing the worst than what Corona had been accused of. This so-called Christmas gifts should have come from Enrile’s pocket, not from people’s pocket, if he wants to prove he is generous.

five or six years ago, Sen. Santiago had exposed this anomaly and even circulated on e-mails about ANG SARAP MAGING SENADOR ” which exposes the 200M pork barrel and the other perks a senator can get. it was not considered seriously and was forgotten because Santiago was un popular senator. the archives can show or reprint this.

http://profile.yahoo.com/74DX67S5U6H557SPUXS5XZ6QJI Alisto Juan

I suggest to all concerned people that we should rally in any others means or ways to initiate that it’s time to abolished the Senate. . We can save a lot. . Time for a Charter Change

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UEHZP52OVNUUPVT3VJNWPUGVLU Peter L

After three “successful years” by the present administration, the incumbent shooter in Malacanang has used the pork barrel to his advantage. He told us he would be a different guy who is clean, honest and not corrupt, yet he makes congressmen and senators corrupt by withholding the pork when the lawmaker does not agree with his desires. He is the same as his predecessors only in a different form, a smoker, a womanizer and a gunslinger. He abhors GMA, Corona, et all to the core but his practices are just same. So sad is the state of our country. God save our beloved country. How long will the people suffer?

Summerspice

I strongly agree with you.The people who voted for corrupt politicians should also be blamed.It’s about time that the voting Filipinos be educated about those running for public office.

Sen. Santiago should know that the Chairman of COA herself is also practicing what Senator Enrile is doing with the Senate “savings”; so what will probably happen is that COA will only legitimize the practice. But such practice is clearly abhorrent and should be exposed to the public by conducting a Senate inquiry in aid of legislation, if Sen. Santiago can do that.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GYYFBINDMTZHM6TDHPB667452M agustin

sino ang mag COA sa COA ? kung toto o yong paratang mo.?

Rovingmoron

No wonder why most people wanted to become senator. Now, Senator Santiago is challenging COA to reveal in its report the aggragate income of each senator and congressman, once for all. In this way, the public may know. Otherwise, COA connives or is afraid of Congress. I don’t want the public to guess that many of COA auditors are on the take?

we need to change the constitution,our constitution is a sissy on politcal dynasty, COA is silent in corruption or bribed or threatened, appointing power of the president should be limited. we need directors and chairman like big company is. we need the( PRC )professionals to participate in a national issue.

pilosopo4

These senators were judges in the SC Chief Justice impeachment last year…we the people should impeach these senators! These senators could have amended the law on how to disburse savings that should go back to the government treasury not to the pockets of the legislators as Holiday gifts!

pilosopo4

To the senators who received these gifts for Christmas, GIVE THE MONEY BACK AND HELP THE TYPHOON VICTIMS IN MINDANAO..if you have the conscience!

Sen Santiago pursue it hard and assertively…. go ahead… have a bill for what you advocate….we are behind you, fully and wholeheartedly…

marivon

Please tell us something we do not yet know. The question however; is there someone in the senate human enough to honestly say that he has earned an honest wage for the day. I guarantee that it is a fat zero parang itlog ni to pass you.

http://twitter.com/proud_pinoy Bong Macalalad

Waah! Is that the same Enrile who almost got rehabilitated of his martial law past when we showered him with much respect and adulation in the Corona impeachment trial? Must be showing off his true colors, again!

motorcyclemama

Actually, it is his way of saying goodbye, and exposing the practice of Senators.

Indirect whisleblowing.

virgoyap

So what’s the use of giving them a flimsy salary if their pork barrel and allowances is enough to make them multimillionaire? If they are really sincere in serving the people just put their salary aside and give it to those who are in dire need.

… it is so easy for Enrile to give out large sums of
money.. money that he has not toiled, not from the “sweat of his
brows” It is our money… and to be spent honestly.. cleanly for the
people and their urgent needs. I hate and I am fierce angry and I lament over
his handling of the People’s money. I am terribly sad about the thousands and
millions given out, while for example….classrooms are urgently needed
in different parts of the country, particularly in ‘seemingly’ neglected or
unattended schools in the boondocks …and for example the ones hit by
Pablo….
Many of our elected officials are parasites-and they have made us their
milking cows… feeding themselves on us, the people they promised to serve
wholeheartedly,.. we pay for their salaries….and yet they steal from us, they
lie to us, they cheat us, they fool us, they deceive us and yet they are
addressed as honorable so and so……

Savings is a product of efficiency. If you have a budget of say P10M and spent only P8M, then you have a savings of P2M but this should be realized to efficiency not like having to fill in 100 jobs but actually hiring 80. Realized savings revert back to the Treasury as per General Appropriations Act. Unscrupulous heads of agencies tend to USE UP their budgets to claim for more next years’ budget under the guise of more funds needed for certain items or projects. So the question is, how much funds have gone to its intended purpose? Only the Commission on Audit can answer that!!

Most people don’t realize that the budget comes first before money funds it, so it does not necessarily mean that just because there is a budget, there is money to back it up! That is why the collection agencies (BIR, Customs, and other gov,t revenue agencies) have their targets to meet the national budget for a certain year.

I just can’t fathom why the Senate Pres. has the discretion as to what to do with Senate funds’ savings. Remember, this is peoples’ taxpayer money!!!! We better have a law that would amend this provision – and that goes to all other agencies as well…

http://profile.yahoo.com/MJFXCRSCXRWPLL42QQKSINC3AQ Mamerto

It’s so EASY for Senators to Make & Pass Bills that Create New/Increase in Taxes and…,
EASIER Still, to Spend for their own leisure & pleasure these Tax Monies.

By the way, I posted before that when the issue of Soliman’s anti epal campaign bidding was published (not in this website, PDI only published it when Valte defended Soliman) I criticised dinky dork that her act consituted a criminal act of Technical Malversation. Sure enough, Rep. Fua and other congressman denounced Soliman for committing a criminal act of Malversation.

tra6Gpeche

How could you not admire Mrs. Santiago on this one? Though every Filipino already know the corruption in the Senate and the Congress because of the pork barrel, it is still amazing to know it from Mrs. Santiago herself. If COA is responsible to account for all the pork barrel and legitimate expenses of the lawmakers, then why are these corrupt Senators and Congressmen getting away from this thievery? Perhaps, COA is also corrupt!

$2931613

what is there to admire? she just returned 1.6M back to its rightful owner.. it is no difference to senator enrile returning her biscuits.. maybe if she donated the money to wowowee so it can be of help to other people.. then that to me is admirable!

scubarazzi

First of all, she returned P250k, not P1.6M. Read the article fully before commenting next time.

Second, being a gift, then technically speaking she was already the rightful owner of that money, not JPE.

Third, if you truly think that giving out cash handouts on TV shows like Wowowee is a genuine form of helping the poor, then you seriously need to get a proper education.

Once you have been thoroughly schooled, maybe then can you ascertain the meaning behind this proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

$2931613

First of all.. kahit 250k or 1.6M it doesn’t matter.. your a no different from a grammar nazi.

Second, i did not say she was not the rightful owner when JPE gave her the gift

Third, i truly think that giving out cash handouts on TV shows like Wowowee is a genuine form of helping the poor but not the only way. And yes, I have a proper education.. baka gusto mo mag battle of the brains para magkaalaman tayo who needs education

“First of all.. kahit 250k or 1.6M it doesn’t matter…” — yes it DOES matter, since 1.6M is many times the amount that 250k is, 6.4x to be exact. See, this also proves that you lack a decent education since you cannot even do simple arithmetic.

“Third, i truly think that giving out cash handouts on TV shows like Wowowee is a genuine form of helping the poor…” Oh really now?? Then explain to us, if Willie is truly such a philanthropist, why he has a need to own EIGHT yachts, all of which are currently parked at the Manila Yacht Club, where he must pay P160k every month in club fees??

Apparently, you did not read the whole article. It is not
about the returning of money back to Mr. Enrile, it is about what she is saying
about why nothing beats being a Senator. Will you please read the whole thing! Perhaps, you are just in a hurry.

http://Yahoo.com/ Ragdeleafar

Di lang perhaps, sure yan!!!

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_OHOD5EA75DBBUH53UKLRXRK764 Mang Teban

With all the crap floating around with the present batch of senators, why should we even believe Miriam Santiago?
Is she leaving the Senate or what? If that is a Yes, that is one minus greedy senator.
If that is a No, oh no!
Big question – Why is Miriam telling us about the perks after she enjoyed all of them for several years?
Malayo pa ang Holy Week, naghuhusgas kamay na.

Police Supt. Hansel Marantan has balls – loren doesn’t have one – but mirriam has aplenty.

I salute the gutsy mirriam for returning her excessive, although smaller, cash gift of P250k from her ninong johnny but her reason should have been its propriety and not the returned biscuits.

Whatever, she has demonstrated once again her courage to confront/discuss any issues she deems important to the nation without fear or favor.

Cano Manuel

It’s not about the biscuit. Read into it.

MaySenseBa

Hahahahaha @wakats:disqus you really think Brenda would return the money if it had an additional zero at the end? think about it…..

Look at his husband, he is the epitome of a good public servant isn’t it?

popeyee

Ano naman ang kinalaman ng asawa ni Miriam sa issue ng “pamasko”?

thecop

pare-pareho lang naman ang lahat ng senador. lahat sila ay kapit tuko sa position nila.
They are there not for the love of country as they always say but for the love of their ambitions
and vested interest of their families and businesses!

hurray to madam senator.!! i really dont like you,,but sometimes you are right..!!

PH2011

In many cases, the COA auditor usually accommodates the “enforced
savings” ordered by the head of office, because COA auditors are often
afraid of politicians, or the COA auditors themselves share in the
“enforced savings,” Senator Santiago said.

I agree with Madam Senator ( though i’m also critics to some of her previous decisions/actions)

IN CONGRESS/MALACANANG/LGU’s: COA auditors are afraid of politicians and shared with the enforced savings

IN ALL OTHER GOV. AGENCIES: COA auditors shared with enforced savings

In short, kung hindi kasali ang COA Auditors sa additional perks, bonuses and benefits etc. of the government agencies to which they where assigned, they will surely disallow the additional benefits.

Hence, COA auditors should be PURELY independent constitutional body.

Jane Tan

Even if that is so, any senator can offer any person of the COA a percentage of his “savings” in order to keep quiet.

Correction DIGOYBULOY, Sen. Santiago only received Php 250,000 from that so-called “savings.” Far less than the Php 1.6M received by the other senators.

popeyee

Jinggoy, 250000 lang daw yong iniregalo kay Miriam, hindi 1.6M..

http://profile.yahoo.com/OTTZ7LCRIT7XTZNPCXBMYOBEGU Maria

IKAW ANG BOBO

Cano Manuel

All the Courts and public offices should make public their financial transactions. No exception!

As for the biscuit, which brand of biscuit was it anyway? If it was Marie, then I am sure it meant something. Biscuits are for the oldies. That biscuit could have meant something like Enrile being too old for the senate and so he should retire.. LOL

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VPSXDLCQEZGZDJSX32G7PYHNCI Noel

It’s okay for senators to receive those perks if they work hard in the Senate. But the likes of Lito Lapid must be condemned.

Now im beginning to like Miriam again after showing her decency to return the “cash gift” back to Enrile.. i hope she really did that..

http://www.facebook.com/people/Cesar-Cruz/1344114277 Cesar Cruz

its better for senator JPE to step down and resign as Senate President ..please step down JPE

jdelacruz13

miriam returned the $$$ kasi nagsusumbong . so the real question is , magkano na ang mga nakuha nilang “GIFT” from the X-amount of years na hindi natin alam … tsk…tsk…tsk …
there is NO honor among thieves …

rhan duke

MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO — A TRUE STATEMAN! THE BEST PRESIDENT WE THOUGHT WE COULD HAVE, SANS THE CHEATING.

AgapitoBagumbayan

These so-called savings could have easily went into our national treasury, where no thief can dip their hands into. But no, instead, they selfishly kept it and divided into themselves like a hungry pack of wolves.

However, the big question is … Senator Miriam you had been enjoying these perks for several years and we the voters never heard anything from you? So, why only now? Is it because it is too small that is why you returned it?

Well, I am just asking!

http://Yahoo.com/ Ragdeleafar

Not interested anymore to be a senator, she had enough in her career as senatong,… she’s to be a ICC judge soon!

That could be the main reason why these politicians doesn’t like to expose their ‘dollar accounts?

http://profile.yahoo.com/RGVTIM5IZEWJ6XIWQ7USZZD2Z4 Langz

Best revealations..Senator Mirriam Santiago you are the best and honest senator i know ever since.Filipino people loves you and your honest and straight forward principle.

http://profile.yahoo.com/RGVTIM5IZEWJ6XIWQ7USZZD2Z4 Langz

For informationof everybody this is not the first time Senator Mirriam revealed it.This is the second or third time she reveals these things in front of public.I’m always following every publications from senator Mirriam because all of which are very informative and reliable source.We learn a lot from senator Mirriam Santiago.

The 250K cash gift is taxable, and regrettably, this will not appear in the ITR of these recipients. It’s obvious that all the current senators are millionaires.

gener ver

si enrile nagmamalinis. mas masahol pa pala siya kay corona

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7PU6DZHL5ZPCLD7P6BGXUNFZEY Boycee Fernando

I started NOT to like Sen Miriam Santiago during the Corona Impeachment Trial because of her unstates(wo)manlike deportment. But more and more now, with her recent actuations and revelations (of Senate secrets and Enrile own UNSTATESMANLIKE behavior), I wish Miriam would be our next PRESIDENT. A pity she was “cheated” last time she run for the highest post of the land. Had she won (or not been “cheated” asshe has repeatedly claimed), most prolly MATINO NA ANG GOBYERNO NATIN NGAUN. SAYANG!

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7PU6DZHL5ZPCLD7P6BGXUNFZEY Boycee Fernando

I am now a CERTIFIED Senator Miriam Salonga fan/follower. I will help her campaign should she ran for President again. For P1 during the whole election process. PRAMIS.

regd

Insert the last word “NOT!”

http://profile.yahoo.com/U2VPSRNUA6MZGXS7FX6W5ZRCBI Antonio

not too fast my friend… she just loves the stage, DRAMA QUEEN ika nga

beardedone

While the current senators are a problem it wouldn’t make any difference if they all were to step down. A new set of faces would replace them and the circus would continue.

The problem is in the system, which allows this ti happen. One senator shouldn’t have access to P200M fund no matter for what reason. Budgets for each region should be set prior to the beginning of the financial year and each region should be accountable that the allocated money was spent as it was supposed to.

If there then is an unexpected calamity, or whatever, the cost would be funded from a national shared source.

Is this ever going to be the case? You know the answer.

Hey_Dudes

If it were places like Japan, South Korea, Guatemala or the dreaded Colombia, people like Enrile after having engineered martial law base on lawlessness after an alleged assassination on his life, I doubt if he could return as a senator or even someone whom the country will regard a hero. In other words, Mr. Enrile should consider himself very lucky he lives in a country where people can easily be bought, fooled and influenced. In these countries I mentioned he either will be spending the rest of his life in jail or swinging atop a high tree in jungles.

I think we are all exhausted and reach the peak of democracy, and that is TOO MUCH DEMOCRACY! Sobrang luwag! Lahat ng nangyayari eh lampasan na lang! I think there is a need for a change of our Government system.

AllinLawisFair

Senator Joker Arroyo has consistently been reported as the thriftiest representative of the people when he served as congressman and now senator.

Following Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s argument, it could have been possible that Arroyo did not hire personnel (he was reported to answer telephone calls himself) , nor procure materials for his office in order to save on staff salaries and other office expenses and pocketed the savings.

You see thats simple on how to be thrifty but how it could be????? living in damarinas village cost u half a million per month if you owning a house inside thats good but how could buy it…. if you have no enough source of money…dammm man…I support that COA should conduct audit for senate and house….200m a year is a big money…meaning senator lacson have no enough money because he is not accepting his pdaf?

ApoNiLolo

We saw Merriam’s political rise. She’s no different from the other politicians we have. We saw her do what we perceived as morally upright. But we also knew her inaction to what we think was ethically wrong.

That’s why the question comes to mind – Why is she rocking the boat she’s on?
Is it because she was furious of the pittance share she got?
Is it because she no longer has any political ambition?
Is it because she no longer cares since she’s transferring to ICC?
Or is it because she’s just being herself… controversial and her fondness for attention?

Select the best answer, mabuti pa, and state your reason why.
What defines a “Sira-Ulo?”

a) a person who chases everyone in sight with a bolo with a clear intention to kill?

b) a person who rants like a raving lunatic and is willing to engage in a shootout, ready to kill and get killed, in order to drive a point and accomplish what she believes is right?

c) a person whose sole tunnel-visioned purpose in life is to EAT AND NOTHING BUT TO EAT, and whose rapaciousness makes him/her intentionally indifferent to the life and death needs of others; he/she, who’s not different from a dog that’s willing to kill and be killed to protect its accumulated GRASS its body couldn’t even take and absorb, but is coveting more of it nonetheless simply because of unadulterated avarice?

DEFENSOR SANTIAGO FOR PRESIDENT IN 2016!!… I CAMPAIGN HARD FOR HER IN OUR SCHOOL WHEN SHE RUN FOR PRESIDENT..I WILL DO IT AGAIN if ever she will run in 2016.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_E3CE56OQVPC4RPYD2NR4VD3SUE Bert

I always have HIGH REGARD for Miriam Santiago, especially during the impeachment trial…..she’s the fairest among the perceived CROCS in the senate…

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GYYFBINDMTZHM6TDHPB667452M agustin

Santiago ay matapang ,walang sinasanto, may political will, matalino at makabayan, walang record sa katiwali an. loyal to the people and not to the party.honesty and hardworking senator.and anti dynasty proponent.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_E3CE56OQVPC4RPYD2NR4VD3SUE Bert

Check on everything you have written, EXCEPT for the “walang katiwalian”. We still have to find out. Immaculately clean politicians now are rare species, you know. And I doubt it.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_THW5H2JWIB5LYEDPREEZMV4OBU Raymond

and to think you pay creatures like lapid, estrada, revilla and sotto that amount of taxpayers’ money for not being qualified to be a lawmaker, who makes laws for the entire filipino people ?
bullshit!!!! what a waste of money and people you deserve the kind of government you have ..hahahahahaha…

Komen To

“The Constitution allows savings to be used by the office at the end of the year. But in reality, the head of office manipulates the books and creates so-called savings by refusing to fill up vacancies, or refusing to buy essential office supplies or services, or capital equipment.”

Calling on COA, the good senator has already laid down the case. Is she the one crazy, or the people who are guilty are calling her crazy to cover up their anomalies. COA, can’t you file a case?

This is too much. The Filipino people has long been suffering. I was surprised the so called pro- people party list representatives are quiet. Did they receive their own share in the lower house? I am just curious and asking

DOT slogan ….. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Enrile and Belmonte ….. More funds in the Philippines.

http://profile.yahoo.com/SYG36KOOLRY47VA3ICPJJ5CQTQ ADD

According to AllinLawisFair
“Senator
Joker Arroyo has consistently been reported as the thriftiest
representative of the people when he served as congressman and now
senator.

Following Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s argument, it could have
been possible that Arroyo did not hire personnel (he was reported to
answer telephone calls himself) , nor procure materials for his office
in order to save on staff salaries and other office expenses and
pocketed the savings.”

Oo nga, anong ngyari sa savings?

COA the Filipino people need you. Audit all the Senators and Congressmen, pronto.

Calling all the Leftist Makabayan daw,Anakpawis,Gabriella,etc. to do the rally at the Senate office show your sympathy to our nation our TRAPO politicians like Enrile was chopping our money he distributed it to his fellow CROCS TRAPO. While the ordinary filipino was suffering for hunger and calamity.

Reality Check…..
From the Presidency, Senate, Congress, Judiciary, BIR, DTI, PCGG…etc… and yes COA too. they all have Savings and MOOE redistributed amongst themselves…. Now you know why Lowly Politicians in the Barangay level kill for the positions

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_E3CE56OQVPC4RPYD2NR4VD3SUE Bert

Yes, ALL of them are CORRUPT. Some are just good at HIDING its CORRUPTION.

Under TUWID NA DAAN, each to his own corruption, kanya-kanya nalang PAKAPALAN ng mukha.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GYYFBINDMTZHM6TDHPB667452M agustin

Sen. Santiago has the political will, fearless ,loyal to the people,anti dynasty proponent,supportive of the RH and sin tax law deem good for the country’s progress.

The System how the government operates is another problem, when you say I will give you 200 million you spend it according to your DISCRETION =The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation = that how they spend their pork barrel. That where all the problem start.

In a parliament system the Lawmakers are not allowed to the access of funds, even their staff are paid under the centralized budget.

http://www.facebook.com/hil.pabz Hil Pabz

Senator Santiago revealation is credible thats hapenning in any government agency majority of the employees can received but only majority few how is that?

boybakal

Santiago: It’s more fun to be a senator…

I believe and agree that it is more fun to be a senator.
Our senators are not funny with wit and humor but a Funny Looking People…sa mukha pa lang matatawa ka na, lalo pat nagsalita ng English.
They look funny, pang comedy.

It doesn’t matter to me whatever name they call her, at least she has the conscience to admit and show the dirty laundry of her collegues (Crocodiles) in the senate. While these crocs are immerse in wealth and luxuries in life, more than 30% of the Filipinos live below poverty lines, and over a million of victim of calamities are still without proper shelters, medicines, school, and means of livelihood!!! How can officials like Mr Ponce Enrile sleep soundly at night???

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_E3CE56OQVPC4RPYD2NR4VD3SUE Bert

Exactly the reason why I like and admire Miriam. She was one of the fairest and level-headed senators specially during the impeachment trial.

See and watch for yourself the following magnificent show in the senate this year:
1. A magical presentation on how to manipulate senate book of Accounts!
2. The spectacular exhibition of the senate clowns on how to make millions of money without doing anything! (Pa pogi pogi lang ba, tapos kwarta na.)
3. Watch how the flexible COA acrobats connives with politicians and devour their share in the “enforced savings,”
4. Experience the breath taking and grandest show where the so-called savings of each public office transformed into a national scandal, the grandmama of all scandals this year! Yes!!!!
5. And, ho! ho! ho! for the finale . . . watch how Santa distribute gifts for the naugthy and nice in the senate!

This two people are like my two kids boy n girl always disagree n something worst s this two old selfish human being r suppose to be there as lawmaker instead d r lawbreaker they r both serving 4 themselve interest n not d people interest,I SUGGEST THAT DS TWO IDIOT SHOULD STEP DOWN AND ENJOY THERE REMAINING LIFE ON EARTH IF D HAVE LIFE,BUWAYA ITS MORE FUN N D PH

http://profile.yahoo.com/FYKAZB5ZVWZO5QGFQP3CL5QSDM Gerryeuroblue

If they are on the opposite sides , then one is correct and the other is immoral. Sino ba ang nag-bribe?

disqusted0fu

With all that said, adding the fact that you have a chance of becoming a president without accomplishing much… It is indeed fun to be a senator!

If Enrile did not return Brenda’s biscuits, she would have kept quiet about the whole thing. Is that a patriotic reason o dahil nasaktan lang ang pride niya kaya ibinulgar niya? She is no holier than Enrile. They all deserve to go to hell!

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_E3CE56OQVPC4RPYD2NR4VD3SUE Bert

Indeed. But same question should also be thrown to the self-righteous HOLIER-THAN-THOU senatongs like Drilon and Pangilinan. Why were they soooo silent about this issue?

Whatever is the motivation, at least Miriam has the balls to come to the open. Meron ba nuon (betlog) ang ibang senatongs?

I blogged in another article where JPE mentioned “lunar minds” to be careful about the danger of saying it. Now, here is the danger: COA investigation, the “grandmama of all scandals”. Bwhar har har har!

The body of a a 9 year-old girl was dug up in Cavite yesterday. The
poor girl was abducted, raped, and killed by four criminals in Cavite
last December. Some of the criminals are relatives of the victim and
even served as pall bearers during the funeral. This is a crime far
worse than the one in India where a teenage girl was abducted and raped
and later died in a hospital in Singapore yet we barely know anything or
read about it anywhere. What is appalling is that the crime in India
was widely condemned not only among Indians but all over the world…
even from Filipinos but the gruesome crime in Cavite only gained a
whimper, perhaps only appearing as footnote for more important news…
like the debates on who among Kris, Aiai and Vice was responsible for
the highest grossing film in history or the shootout among erring
enforcers apparently due to jueteng turf wars.

It is easy to
dismiss “depressing” news because it may put the country in a bad
light. But what is more evident is how media contributes to the
people’s apathy towards news that really matter. Sure, celebrity news
sells that is why much space is given to trivial issues that has no
value in building our society. But my hope is Media remind themselves
of their mandate as tool for people to seek redress and to some extent
help provide justice to those who yearned for it. After all, media
don’t need reminding because they know their responsibilities very
well. What they need is conviction.